Paralegal, AAS (AAS.PARA)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal

63 Credit Hours

This degree prepares students to work under the direct supervision of an attorney to prepare legal documents, recommend solutions for procedural problems, and create and implement detailed office procedures for efficiently handling specialized fields of law. This program can provide hands-on experience and serve as a first step for students whose ultimate goal is to attend law school. The college also offers a Paralegal Certificate (CAS.PARA) for students with college credit.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is an institutional American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE) member. In accordance with ABA Guideline G-302.J.3, students must complete at least nine credit hours or equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Accreditation

American Bar Association
Standing Committee on Paralegals
321 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654

General Education Core Requirements

ENG 101 - English Composition I Credit: 3
MAT 110 - College Algebra Credit: 3
or
MAT 120 - Probability and Statistics Credit: 3
or
MAT 155 - Contemporary Mathematics Credit: 3
REQ HUM Select from
Humanities
Credit: 3
REQ SSC Select from
Behavioral/Social Sciences
Credit: 3
REQ GEN Select from
General Education
Credit: 3

Total: 15

Major Requirements

BUS 121 - Business Law I Credit: 3
CRJ 101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credit: 3
or
LEG 270 - Paralegal Certification Preparation Credit: 3
or
LEG 244 - Special Projects for Paralegals Credit: 3
CRJ 115 - Criminal Law I Credit: 3
or
LEG 234 - Title Examination Procedures I Credit: 3
ENG 102 - English Composition II Credit: 3
LEG 120 - Torts Credit: 3
LEG 132 - Legal Bibliography Credit: 3
LEG 135 - Introduction to Law and Ethics Credit: 3
LEG 201 - Civil Litigation I Credit: 3
LEG 213 - Family Law Credit: 3
LEG 214 - Property Law Credit: 3
LEG 230 - Legal Writing Credit: 3
LEG 232 - Law Office Management Credit: 3
LEG 233 - Wills, Trusts and Probate Credit: 3
LEG 240 - Claims Investigation Credit: 3
LEG 242 - Law Practice Workshop Credit: 3
SPC 205 - Public Speaking Credit: 3
or
SPC 209 - Interpersonal Communication Credit: 3

Total: 48

Program Goals

Provide a well-rounded program of education for students who wish to seek employment as paralegals in a variety of settings.
Provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding of legal ethics necessary to work under the supervision of attorneys to assist in the delivery of legal services.

Program Objectives

Prepare students to apply principles of legal ethics
Prepare students to draft legal documents
Prepare students to perform legal research
Prepare students to enter legal profession as entry level paralegals

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement

S.C. Code Ann. § 40-5-310

Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina.

Students transferring credits into the Paralegal programs may transfer only four courses from ABA-approved Paralegal programs for LEG-prefix course credit.

Admission Requirements

Admission into this program requires proof of high school graduation (or GED) and qualifying placement levels.